Singapore or Cebu?
Mar 9th, 2005, 03:50 PM
#1
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Singapore or Cebu?
Hi,
We're looking for a short trip(4 or 5 days) from Hong Kong for our family with two young children...thinking about Cebu but have heard that the beach is not that great. Is Sentosa Island worth it-or would we be happier in downtown Singapore? Any help will be appreciated!
We're looking for a short trip(4 or 5 days) from Hong Kong for our family with two young children...thinking about Cebu but have heard that the beach is not that great. Is Sentosa Island worth it-or would we be happier in downtown Singapore? Any help will be appreciated!
Mar 9th, 2005, 04:00 PM
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Why don't you go to Bali or Thailand? Same distance as Singapore and a lot more fun for kids.
In answer to your question: I'd say no, Sentosa isn't worth it. If you end up in Singapore stay in the Orchard Road area. It's a small place and you can easily visit Sentosa.
When I lived in Hong Kong when my son was young we used to go to Boracay for short beach holidays.
In answer to your question: I'd say no, Sentosa isn't worth it. If you end up in Singapore stay in the Orchard Road area. It's a small place and you can easily visit Sentosa.
When I lived in Hong Kong when my son was young we used to go to Boracay for short beach holidays.
Mar 9th, 2005, 11:15 PM
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Thanks for the feedback, Marmot.
We visited Bali for 7 nights in November and loved it, but the flight is a couple hours longer and more expensive, as are nice hotels and food. Cebu is less than 3 hours away and Singapore a little more, 3.5 I think. Boracay sounds lovely too. We are also considering Bangkok, and would love to go to Phuket but there are not many direct flight right now. Part of the problem is we'd like to go around Easter and it is proving difficult to get flights unless you book a 4 day package.
We visited Bali for 7 nights in November and loved it, but the flight is a couple hours longer and more expensive, as are nice hotels and food. Cebu is less than 3 hours away and Singapore a little more, 3.5 I think. Boracay sounds lovely too. We are also considering Bangkok, and would love to go to Phuket but there are not many direct flight right now. Part of the problem is we'd like to go around Easter and it is proving difficult to get flights unless you book a 4 day package.
Mar 10th, 2005, 12:30 AM
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I actually think Sentosa is a great place for a family, but only if you stay at the Beaufort hotel. The beach is pretty but not spectacular, but the pool is quite something, and they have nice grounds. For a family vacation, it is better than being in the city of Singapore (and you live in the city in Hong Kong anyway). The ersatz Disneyland amusement park is only minutes away (which has an excellent aquarium), and downtown Singapore is about 10 minutes by cab. The hotel is the Sentosa Resort & Spa, take a look at http://www.thesentosa.com. They also have a spa.
Beaches in the vicinity of Cebu City on Mactan Island (where the airport is) are not that great, IMO, although the one at the Shangri-La is OK. If you can get off the island and to some of the resorts to the north or the west side of the island, you will find prettier beaches, but the drive can be grueling. My favorite hotel there is the Alegre Beach Resort, but it is about a 2-hour drive. I also have not been there in about 7 years, so can’t speak for current quality. Take a look at http://www.alegrebeachresort.com/
Borocay does have nicer beaches, IMO. Not sure what your budget is, but the Amapuolo is glorious. Take a look at amanresorts.com
I actually don’t think the beaches on Phuket island are anything to write home about, you need to get in a boat and go offshore to see really great beaches. However, I agree that it is a good family vacation place.
You might also consider the Westin on Macau, which I think is a very nice hotel, great pool, quiet and green, there is golf and the great restaurants of Macau. Easy to get to by ferry from Hong Kong and weather is good in March. Take a look at starwood.com.
The Westin Resort Macau
1918 Estrada De Hac Sa
Coloane
866-238-9330
Beaches in the vicinity of Cebu City on Mactan Island (where the airport is) are not that great, IMO, although the one at the Shangri-La is OK. If you can get off the island and to some of the resorts to the north or the west side of the island, you will find prettier beaches, but the drive can be grueling. My favorite hotel there is the Alegre Beach Resort, but it is about a 2-hour drive. I also have not been there in about 7 years, so can’t speak for current quality. Take a look at http://www.alegrebeachresort.com/
Borocay does have nicer beaches, IMO. Not sure what your budget is, but the Amapuolo is glorious. Take a look at amanresorts.com
I actually don’t think the beaches on Phuket island are anything to write home about, you need to get in a boat and go offshore to see really great beaches. However, I agree that it is a good family vacation place.
You might also consider the Westin on Macau, which I think is a very nice hotel, great pool, quiet and green, there is golf and the great restaurants of Macau. Easy to get to by ferry from Hong Kong and weather is good in March. Take a look at starwood.com.
The Westin Resort Macau
1918 Estrada De Hac Sa
Coloane
866-238-9330
Mar 10th, 2005, 05:39 PM
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dlai, I know what you mean. Everyone else seems to have planned their Spring break holidays months in advance!
When my son was small he really liked to go to Singapore, even when we lived in cities like Hong Kong or New York. We especially liked the Night Safari, Bird Park, Botanical Gardens (just before sunrise) and the food courts.
We never stayed on Sentosa. I always found the Beaufort a bit run down (although I think it's been renovated) and the beaches are a non-event. For kids, I'd recommend the Shangri-La because it has spacious grounds for running around and a big pool area. If your budget allows a room in the Garden Wing you can get a big balcony which adds much appreciated room to get away from each other.
So in short, Singapore can be a fun family holiday destination; it's just not a beach destination.
When my son was small he really liked to go to Singapore, even when we lived in cities like Hong Kong or New York. We especially liked the Night Safari, Bird Park, Botanical Gardens (just before sunrise) and the food courts.
We never stayed on Sentosa. I always found the Beaufort a bit run down (although I think it's been renovated) and the beaches are a non-event. For kids, I'd recommend the Shangri-La because it has spacious grounds for running around and a big pool area. If your budget allows a room in the Garden Wing you can get a big balcony which adds much appreciated room to get away from each other.
So in short, Singapore can be a fun family holiday destination; it's just not a beach destination.
Mar 10th, 2005, 09:47 PM
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I agree with the other posters - Singapore has plenty to do for the family:
one of the best zoos in the world, plus night safari, theme parks, safe and secure city, etc.
but Singapore is not known for its beaches. If you want to go snorkling or sit by a beautiful beach - go elsewhere.
one of the best zoos in the world, plus night safari, theme parks, safe and secure city, etc.
but Singapore is not known for its beaches. If you want to go snorkling or sit by a beautiful beach - go elsewhere.
